Fisher

An assessment of population growth drivers in Fisher reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

Based on AreaSearch's analysis, Fisher's population is around 3,320 as of Feb 2026. This reflects an increase of 101 people (3.1%) since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 3,219 people. The change is inferred from the estimated resident population of 3,310 from the ABS as of June 2024 and an additional 11 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 2,101 persons per square kilometer, which is above the average seen across national locations assessed by AreaSearch. Fisher's 3.1% growth since the 2021 census exceeded the SA3 area (0.6%), marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth for the area was primarily driven by overseas migration, which contributed approximately 70.2% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch adopts ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, as released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For any SA2 areas not covered by this data, and for years post-2032, age group growth rates from the ACT Government's SA2 area projections, with 2022 as a base, are adopted. Looking at population projections moving forward, lower quartile growth of national areas is anticipated, with the area expected to increase by 2 persons to 2041 based on the latest annual ERP population numbers, reflecting a decrease of 0.2% in total over the 17 years.

Residential development activity is lower than average in Fisher according to AreaSearch's national comparison of local real estate markets

Fisher has recorded around 5 residential properties granted approval per year, with 28 homes approved over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25) and 1 so far in FY-26. At an average of 7.1 new residents per year for every home built over the past 5 financial years (between FY-21 and FY-25), demand is significantly outpacing supply, which typically puts upward pressure on prices and increases competition among buyers, while new properties are constructed at an average value of $245,000.

When measured against the Australian Capital Territory, Fisher has around three-quarters the rate of new dwelling approvals per person while it places among the 17th percentile of areas assessed nationally, meaning more limited choices for buyers and supporting demand for existing properties. This is also below average nationally, reflecting the area's maturity and pointing to possible planning constraints. New building activity shows 60.0% detached houses and 40.0% townhouses or apartments, showing an expanding range of medium-density options creating a mix of opportunities across price brackets, from traditional family housing to more affordable compact alternatives. This represents a notable shift from the area's existing housing (currently 83.0% houses), indicating decreasing availability of developable sites and reflecting changing lifestyles and the need for more diverse, affordable housing options. At around 1929 people per approval, Fisher shows a mature, established area.

Given stable or declining population forecasts, Fisher may experience less housing pressure, creating favourable conditions for buyers.

Fisher has moderate levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 46thth percentile nationally

Nothing can influence an area's performance as much as changes to local infrastructure, major projects, and planning initiatives. In total, 0 projects have been identified by AreaSearch that are likely to have an impact on the area. Key projects include Athllon Drive Duplication, The Hunter, Canberra Hospital Master Plan, and The Centenary Hospital for Women and Children Expansion Project, with the list below detailing those likely to be of most relevance.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

Denotes AI-based impression for illustrative purposes only, not to be taken as definitive under any circumstances. Please follow links and conduct other investigations from the project's source for actual imagery. Developers and project owners wishing us to use original imagery please Contact Us and we will do so.

Employment performance in Fisher has been below expectations when compared to most other areas nationally

Fisher features a highly educated workforce, with essential services sectors well represented, an unemployment rate of 4.8%, and relative employment stability over the past year. As of December 2025, 1,664 residents are in work, while the unemployment rate is 1.0% above the Australian Capital Territory's rate of 3.8%, and workforce participation lags significantly (67.4% compared to the Australian Capital Territory's 72.6%). Based on Census responses, a low 12.9% of residents were found to work from home, though Covid-19 lockdown impacts should be considered.

Employment among residents is concentrated in public administration & safety, health care & social assistance, and education & training. Meanwhile, retail trade has a limited presence with 4.9% employment compared to 6.6% regionally. The predominantly residential area appears to offer limited employment opportunities locally, as indicated by the count of the Census working population versus the resident population.

Based on AreaSearch analysis of SALM and ABS data, the 12-month period saw the labour force increasing by 1.1% while employment declined by 0.4%, causing unemployment to rise by 1.4 percentage points. This contrasts with the Australian Capital Territory, where employment rose by 0.9%, the labour force grew by 1.2%, and unemployment rose 0.3 percentage points. Jobs and Skills Australia's national employment forecasts from May-25 can offer further insight into potential future demand within Fisher. These projections, covering five and ten-year periods, have been mapped against the local employment profile to estimate growth patterns. While national employment is forecast to expand by 6.6% over five years and 13.7% over ten years, growth rates differ significantly between industry sectors. Applying these industry-specific projections to Fisher's employment mix suggests local employment should increase by 6.5% over five years and 13.4% over ten years (please note this is a simple weighting extrapolation for illustrative purposes and does not take into account localised population projections).

The economic profile demonstrates exceptional strength, placing the area among the top 10% nationally based on comprehensive AreaSearch income analysis

According to AreaSearch's aggregation of the latest postcode level ATO data released for FY-23, the Fisher SA2 had a median income among taxpayers of $70,595 with the average level standing at $82,196. This is among the highest in Australia and compares to levels of $72,206 and $85,981 across the Australian Capital Territory respectively. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 9.26% since FY-23, current estimates would be approximately $77,132 (median) and $89,807 (average) as of September 2025. Census data reveals household, family and personal incomes all rank highly in Fisher, between the 82nd and 91st percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate 25.9% of the population (859 individuals) fall within the $1,500 - 2,999 income range, mirroring the surrounding region where 34.3% occupy this bracket. A significant 39.1% earn above $3,000 weekly, reflecting pockets of prosperity that drive robust local economic activity. After housing costs, residents retain 86.8% of income, reflecting strong purchasing power, and the area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 8th decile.

Fisher is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Dwelling structure within Fisher, as evaluated at the latest Census, comprised 82.8% houses and 17.2% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings), in comparison to the Australian Capital Territory's 63.3% houses and 36.7% other dwellings. Meanwhile, the level of home ownership within Fisher was well beyond that of the Australian Capital Territory, at 39.8%, with the remainder of dwellings either mortgaged (40.0%) or rented (20.2%). The median monthly mortgage repayment in the area was well above the Australian Capital Territory average at $2,354, while the median weekly rent figure was recorded at $415, compared to the Australian Capital Territory's $2,080 and $450. Nationally, Fisher's mortgage repayments are significantly higher than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents are substantially above the national figure of $375.

Fisher has a typical household mix, with a fairly typical median household size

Family households dominate at 70.5% of all households, comprising 34.4% couples with children, 25.1% couples without children, and 9.5% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 29.5%, with lone person households at 27.6% and group households comprising 2.1% of the total. The median household size of 2.5 people matches the Australian Capital Territory average.

Fisher shows strong educational performance, ranking in the upper quartile nationally when assessed across multiple qualification and achievement indicators

Educational attainment in Fisher significantly surpasses broader benchmarks, with 43.3% of residents aged 15+ holding university qualifications compared to 30.4% in Australia. This substantial educational advantage positions the area strongly for knowledge-based opportunities. Bachelor degrees lead at 25.6%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (12.3%) and graduate diplomas (5.4%). Trade and technical skills feature prominently, with 27.0% of residents aged 15+ holding vocational credentials, including advanced diplomas (12.2%) and certificates (14.8%).

Educational participation is notably high, with 30.3% of residents residents currently enrolled in formal education. This includes 11.4% in primary education, 8.5% in secondary education, and 4.5% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is high compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Public transport analysis reveals 15 active transport stops operating within Fisher, comprising a mix of buses. These stops are serviced by 59 individual routes, collectively providing 3,676 weekly passenger trips. Transport accessibility is rated as excellent, with residents typically located 197 meters from the nearest transport stop. As a primarily residential area, most residents commute outward; the car remains the dominant mode at 89%, with 6% by bus. Vehicle ownership averages 1.3 per dwelling. A relatively low 12.9% of residents work from home (2021 Census; may reflect COVID-19 conditions).

Service frequency averages 525 trips per day across all routes, equating to approximately 245 weekly trips per individual stop.

Fisher's residents are healthier than average in comparison to broader Australia with prevalence of common health conditions quite low among the general population though higher than the nation's average across older, at risk cohorts

Health data indicates relatively positive outcomes for Fisher residents. AreaSearch's analysis of mortality rates and health conditions shows results broadly in line with national benchmarks, with the prevalence of common health conditions remaining low among the general population, though higher than the national average across older, at-risk cohorts. The rate of private health cover is exceptionally high at approximately 60% of the total population (1,988 people), compared to 62.4% across the Australian Capital Territory.

The most common medical conditions in the area are arthritis and mental health issues, impacting 9.0% and 8.5% of residents, respectively, while 67.5% declared themselves as completely clear of medical ailments compared to 70.2% across the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among the working-age population are broadly typical. The area has 19.5% of residents aged 65 and over (648 people), which is higher than the 14.3% in the Australian Capital Territory. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, though they rank lower nationally than the broader population.

The level of cultural diversity witnessed in Fisher was found to be slightly above average when compared nationally for a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Fisher was found to be above average in terms of cultural diversity, with 23.3% of its population born overseas and 16.7% speaking a language other than English at home. The main religion in Fisher is Christianity, which makes up 45.1% of people. However, the most apparent overrepresentation was in Hinduism, which comprises 2.8% of the population, compared to 4.8% across the Australian Capital Territory.

In terms of ancestry (country of birth of parents), the top three represented groups in Fisher are English, comprising 25.9% of the population, Australian, comprising 24.9% of the population, and Irish, comprising 9.8% of the population. Additionally, there are notable divergences in the representation of certain other ethnic groups: Hungarian is notably overrepresented at 0.5% of Fisher (vs 0.3% regionally), French at 0.8% (vs 0.5%) and Croatian at 1.0% (vs 0.9%).

Fisher's population is slightly older than the national pattern

The 40-year median age in Fisher notably exceeds the Australian Capital Territory's average of 35 and modestly exceeds the Australian median of 38. Relative to the Australian Capital Territory, Fisher has a higher concentration of 75 - 84 residents (8.8%) but fewer 25 - 34 year-olds (11.1%). Since the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 9.4% to 10.7% of the population, while the 75 to 84 cohort increased from 7.7% to 8.8%. Conversely, the 65 to 74 cohort has declined from 8.9% to 7.6% and the 35 to 44 group dropped from 14.8% to 13.6%. By 2041, Fisher is expected to see notable shifts in its age composition. Leading the demographic shift, the 85+ group will grow by 43% (45 people), reaching 149 from 103. The aging population dynamic is clear, with those 65+ comprising 60% of projected growth. On the other hand, population declines are projected for the 45 to 54 and 75 to 84 cohorts.